I grew up "out in the country." Could not see the neighbors. Just the buffalo on the next farm. Went away to college. Lived alone from the time I graduated college until I met my husband. Over 20 years. During that time I lived alone. Including two years in Guadalajara Mexico and over 12 years in the city of Chicago. I traveled all over - 44 of the United States, Europe, Mexico and South America...even Egypt. Sometimes alone...other times with female friends.

Never...not once...did I ever think..."if only I had a gun!!!"

I had my purse stolen once. My own stupidity and not something I would be willing to shoot someone over. And... my insurance covered it.

So...why the fear?

Now...why don't we all go and say something nice about today's dog/cat/pet?

Are the rates of people being knifed in those countries as high as those of people being shot in this country?

They are not, but as I clearly stated in my post, crimes committed with other types of weapons in countries where they have gun bans are much higher than (sometimes higher even than gun crimes committed in countries without a ban).

Originally Posted by Alysser

Now if we are talking about sensible gun laws...like registration and background checks - of course I am all for that! That's like allowing people to drive without a road test or license and no car registration.

This is a no-brainer here. I'm not against this (though I do know some people who are against registration, but I am not one of them). I'm all for being a responsible gun owner. But still - stricter gun control will not keep guns out of criminals' hands.

I truthfully do not have the fear that something will happen. That would be living my life in fear, and I don't. But like LH said, I agree that a gun is an inanimate object and it just doesn't strike fear in me. Guns are a part of life, and are they used immorally and irresponsibly? Absolutely and I think that is some we can all agree on. But clearly, someone who is going on a shooting rampage has issues already whether it be extreme anger or they just have their screws loose - but the gun didn't tell them to go on said rampage. The problem is these laws only strive to control a small factor - the weapon being used.

I would like to know how many of the ones who went on a shooting rampage over the years, had got their weapon legally and how many did not? Also, what does it take to be allowed to carry a gun? Any kind of psychological tests? What kind of papers do you fill out - and is that all you have to do?

"I don't know which weapons will be used in the third World war, but in the fourth, it will be sticks and stones" --- Albert Einstein.

I would like to know how many of the ones who went on a shooting rampage over the years, had got their weapon legally and how many did not? Also, what does it take to be allowed to carry a gun? Any kind of psychological tests? What kind of papers do you fill out - and is that all you have to do?

The nut case who opened fire in the movie theater and killed or wounded (60+? people), obtained all of his weapons, ammo, "riot gear" legally! His only run in with the law was a speeding ticket on his driver's license.

I've never applied for a gun permit, but you have forms to fill out for a background check, and a waiting period of a few days. No psych check. Just checking on criminally related matters. Anyone please feel free to correct me on this. Obviously if it turns up that you're a convicted felon, you will not get the permit. But of course that won't stop anyone from getting a gun if they really want one.

I'm certain other posters in this thread have more info on obtaining a permit than I do, but basically it's pretty darn easy for just about anyone to get one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wolfy ~ Fuzzbutt #3

My little dog ~ a heartbeat at my feet

Sparky the Fuzzbutt - PT's DOTD 8/3/2010
RIP 2/28/1999~10/9/2012

Myndi the Fuzzbutt - Mom's DOTD - Everyday
RIP 1/24/1996~8/9/2013

Ellie - Mom to the Fuzzbuttz

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
To know just when the hands will stop - on what day, or what hour.
Now is the only time you have, so live it with a will -
Don't wait until tomorrow - the hands may then be still.
~~~~true author unknown~~~~

A gun can be used to deter violence, put food on the table, punch holes in paper, there are many uses for them.

It very simply comes down to differing views of individual freedoms and rights. People who are for gun control and banning them will just never understand those of us who oppose those measures, and vice versa.

People will use many, many things to kill, a firearm just makes more headlines when it happens. More people are killed during their morning commute by accidents, yet no one wants to ban automobiles.

As to the licensing issue, license requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and mental illness CANNOT be considered for legal reasons.

The one eyed man in the kingdom of the blind wasn't king, he was stoned for seeing light.